LA-Driving School...

Pass-Plus

The Pass-Plus is a short course taken after you have passed your driving test. It's much more than just a few extra lessons. It's is a specially designed training scheme for newly qualified drivers. LA-Driving School is Pass Plus registered and can deliver the Pass-Plus course and as a reward, you will receive a discount on your car insurance from most insurers.

So what's it all about?

The Pass-Plus course was developed by the Driving Standards Agency, the driving instruction industry and the insurers, to improve your driving skills in areas where you have had little or no practice. This in turn will reduce the risk of you being involved in an accident.
The main aim of the Pass-Plus course is to promote positive driving, to get you away from the 'driving like a learner' stereotype. It will also be your first introduction to motorway driving.

One of the key elements to the Pass-Plus course is making you realise that driving a car can be dangerous, so you need to gain experience quickly and safely. The best way to do this is through professional instruction.

Throughout the Pass-Plus course, your abilities will improve in two main areas:

- Your Attitude:
o taking responsibility for your own actions
o demonstrating care and consideration for other road users

- Your Skills:
o observation
o assessing what you have seen
o making clear decisions
o taking the correct action

Ultimately you will be able to drive in any road conditions, day or night, wet or dry, fast or slow. Maintaining full control of your car and showing consideration and awareness of others road users..

What is included in the Pass-Plus course?

The Pass-Plus course covers six modules:

- Town Driving
- All Weather Driving
- Out of Town Driving and Rural Roads
- Night Driving
- Dual-Carriageway Driving
- Motorway Driving

The entire length of the Pass-Plus course must not be shorter than six hours, although some modules will be longer than others. Parts of the course may also need to be covered in theory if a practical situation is not possible. i.e. you can't drive in the rain on a nice sunny day. That can't be planned, even by the greatest of driving instructors.

Who conducts the Pass-Plus course?

The best solution is to take the Pass-Plus with your LA-Driving School instructor who taught you to drive.

Is there a test at the end?

No. The aim of the Pass-Plus course is to give you more experience. After six hours driving tuition, you will have been given a good basic introduction to everyday driving. What is important is that these skills have been learnt under professional tuition.

How do you claim the insurance discount?

Once you complete the Pass-Plus course, your LA-Driving School instructor will give you a form to fill out. This form states what instruction you have received and that you performed at a suitably high standard. You then send this form to the Driving Standards Agency who will send you a pass plus certificate.
The Pass-Plus certificate can then be presented to your insurance company in exchange for a discount.

How much discount?

The amount of discount will vary from insurance company to insurance company (..as will the price you pay for the pass plus course £175 or £150 after deduction of £25 LA-Driving School Learner loyalty discount), but many companies are now allowing a one year no-claim bonus with your first year insurance. This could be as much as 20%. Shop around for the best deal before you sign.

Is there a time limit for completion of the Pass-Plus course?

Yes. You must complete the Pass-Plus course and apply for the certificate within 12 months of passing your driving test. My advice is to take the Pass-Plus course within the first month of passing - get the ball rolling, act now.

Where can I get more information on Pass-Plus?

There are three simple ways to get the information you need:
1. Ask your LA-Driving School instructor - for more information.
2. Phone the pass plus telephone hotline on 0115 901 2633
3. Check out the official Pass-Plus web site - www.passplus.org.uk